John 16:33
What does John 16:33 mean?
A plain-English look at John 16:33 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What John 16:33 means
Jesus states the purpose of His words: that in Him the disciples may have peace. He contrasts two realms—tribulation in the world and cheer in Him—then anchors courage in His victory: He has overcome the world. Peace is not the absence of trouble but the presence of Christ’s conquest. By His death and resurrection, the world’s ruler is judged and its threats are bounded. This assurance equips believers to endure persecution, confusion, and sorrow without despair. The chapter thus ends where it has been heading: Jesus’ departure and the Spirit’s coming do not leave them vulnerable; they leave them victorious in Him. Take heart rests on His finished work.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
KJV
King James Version · 1611These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye may have peace. In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949I have said all these things to you so that in me you may have peace. In the world you have trouble: but take heart! I have overcome the world.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862these things I have spoken to you, that in me ye may have peace, in the world ye shall have tribulation, but take courage--I have overcome the world.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752These things I have spoken to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you shall have distress. But have confidence. I have overcome the world.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890These things have I spoken to you that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye have tribulation; but be of good courage: I have overcome the world.
Context
This concluding verse gathers all strands: warnings to keep them from stumbling, predictions of persecution, promise of the Comforter, sorrow turning to joy, access to the Father, their failure, and His unbroken fellowship with the Father. The final word is not their weakness but His victory. This sets the tone for the passion narrative that follows and for the disciples’ future ministry empowered by the Spirit in a hostile world.
v.32Behold, the hour cometh, yea, is come, that ye shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave me alone: and yet I am not alone, because the Father is with me.
v.33This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 85:8
I will hear what God Jehovah will speak; For he will speak peace unto his people, and to his saints: But let them not turn again to folly.
- Revelation 12:11
And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb, and because of the word of their testimony; and they loved not their life even unto death.
- Acts 9:31
So the church throughout all Judæa and Galilee and Samaria had peace, being edified; and, walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, was multiplied.
- Acts 27:25
Wherefore, sirs, be of good cheer: for I believe God, that it shall be even so as it hath been spoken unto me.
- Romans 5:1
Being therefore justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ;
- Luke 2:14
Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men in whom he is well pleased.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore John 16
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on John 16.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Spiritual Warfare
Spiritual warfare is the cosmic conflict Christians face against evil forces as they live out their faith.
Topic
Bible Verses About The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is God’s presence, power, and wisdom, guiding believers into truth, empowering them for service, and transforming their lives
Topic
Bible Verses About the Trinity
Understanding the Trinity helps us grasp the complex nature of God as one being in three co-equal, co-eternal persons
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Losing a Loved One
When you can't stop imagining the worst — verses to put your loved one back in God's hands.
Verses for
Bible Verses for the Fear of Death
When you're afraid to die — what scripture promises about the last enemy.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Grief After Losing Someone You Love
When the room is empty — verses that grieve with you, not around you.